Former supe's sentencing delayed after new charge

The Associated Press

The sentencing of a former Santa Clara County supervisor for misusing public funds has been delayed after prosecutors filed a new charge.

The San Jose Mercury News reports (
http://bit.ly/14HmhC0
) that the case against George Shirakawa Jr. was thrown into turmoil Friday after a judge said the new charge complicates Shirakawa's existing plea deal.

Superior Court Judge Philip Pennypacker set a new court date for July 19 so he can decide if the new charge violates the terms of Shirakawa's deal with prosecutors, as the defense is arguing.

The 51-year-old pleaded guilty in March to five felonies, seven misdemeanors and 10 violations of the state's Political Reform Act.

In an open letter, he said he used the funds to fuel his gambling problem.